Cathal Hannan, 12 and Connor Scullion, 16 discovered the very real effects of racism in Belfast.
| Like many popular world religions, Islam is a religion of peace. |
The 'war on terror is now well underway,' yet those signs presented to us living in the West as positive, are having a very real and direct negative impact on Belfast's young Muslims.
"I think that after 9/11 more people have become scared of Islam and what it represents, after the planes crashing and I think that the word terrorism has become used exclusively with Muslims," said Belfast Islamic teacher Wessam M.Abd Elsolam.
Mr Elsolam believes the actions of George Bush in only targeting Muslim countries in his 'war on terror' has helped shaped the incorrect, and highly dangerous assumption, that all muslims are terrorists.
While the continued 'war on terror' has a direct negative impact on the young people in his community the reality of only a small minority of Muslims who are actually terrorists goes unnoticed. Young children from the Muslim Community spoke out against the behaviour of people towards them after 9/11. Primary school pupil, Saif Ullah Talpur (11) gave his insight into the life of an ordinary Muslim boy. "In primary school, I get called lots of names, including 'paki'. All I want to do is go to school and learn. I think it has got worse after 9/11".
But where does the incentive to racially attack Muslims come from? An ex-Liverpool resident, Bella Yaquh, highlighted where the media created the idea of Muslims as terrorists. "It's the media, it's the Whitehouse, it's business and it's also here in the UK. If anyone insulted my children, or me, the police will not do anything for [us], that's the problem."
Like many popular world religions, Islam is a religion of peace. Carrying out terrorist acts goes against the fundamental roots of Islam. Muslims regard others as equals but you could argue that other people see them just as terrorists and verbally abuse their religion or colour.
Jamal Iweida, President of the Belfast Islamic Centre speaks of rights and what the Muslim community truly deserve. "We do have rights and we do enjoy many rights here in this country, but at the same time we have lack of provisions and respect from some people. We need more support, in terms of coping with racist attacks."
In fact, Mr. Iweida has suffered greatly, in terms of verbal and physical racism. His car and house were attacked, racist graffiti was sprayed on his property and he was forced to leave his home. Mr. Iweida was outraged by this, "you don't get called an IRA terrorist if you're a Catholic and likewise with Protestants being associated as UVF members."
This is just one example of the carnage that plagues that Muslim Community in Belfast. Further afield, in Craigavon; the building of a new Mosque was disrupted for a week, due to racist insults and attacks.Nobody deserves this continuation of violence against him or her. Who could imagine eating dinner whilst racially motivated thugs spray graffiti on the garden wall. Its not pleasant, especially as you will be the one to clean it up.
About the team
This story was produced by Connor Scullion, 16 and Cathal Hannan, 12. It was published by the Institute of Race Relations Website.
